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IT - Computer Support Programs

Expanding technology and software requirements across organizations have increased the demand for computer support technicians and specialists. Gateway’s IT-Computer Support Technician technical diploma program opens opportunities in the world of information technology. Those wishing to continue their education may go on to the IT – Computer Support Specialist associate degree program for more wide-ranging opportunities in a variety of environments including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and enterprise-sized corporations.

The IT-Computer Support Technician program will provide the first step toward a career in IT which focuses on the support of end users. This program is designed to serve as a pathway into the IT-Computer Support Specialist associate degree. Students completing this program will have the option to continue into the parent program or become employed directly in the field. Graduates will have opportunities reaching across all industries.

Note: The IT-Computer Support Technician program is also available online.

Gateway’s IT-Computer Support Specialist associate degree program is designed to prepare you for a career in information technology. In addition to the hardware and software knowledge gained, emphasis is placed on helping students attain critical soft skills that are in high demand by area employers.

Program topics include the architecture, use, installation and upgrading of hardware and software, operating systems, networking and communications as well as data security and recovery. Students will learn how to disassemble/reassemble computers, troubleshoot and repair computers, setup and configure devices, automate the installation of an operating system within a domain, write instructional guides and train end users to work with new software.

Graduates will have job opportunities as IT specialists, computer technicians, help desk analysts, network support specialists and electronic data processing auditors.

Computer support specialists provide technical assistance to computer users, answer questions and resolve computer problems for clients in person, over the telephone or electronically. Specialists may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Gateway graduates may find entry-level jobs as IT specialists, computer technicians, help desk analysts, network support specialists and electronic data processing auditors.

Gateway provides IT students with state-of-the art equipment so they can train with the latest hardware and software used in the field. Equipment includes virtual workstations, servers and multimedia and smart systems for presentations.

Students can obtain additional hands-on learning through various student organizations. The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) organization is located on the Kenosha and Racine Campuses. AITP provides students with networking opportunities through events and activities as well as connections with local and national AITP organizations. AITP students also compete at local, state and national levels. The Kenosha Campus is also home to the Student Technology Support Center. This pilot project provides students with the opportunity to run a help desk support site for other Gateway students.

On the Elkhorn Campus, students can join Gateway Computer Professionals United (G-CPU). The club is open to all IT students and provides networking opportunities as well as relationship building. G-CPU offers local business tours and professional development seminars. In addition, club members organize field tips, community service activities and events such as game nights and computer sales.

Gateway also offers study abroad opportunities to IT students. International education opportunities could include participation in a global project team with students from Germany or providing IT support to a community in Belize.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer support specialists is expected to grow 18 percent through 2020. As technology continues to advance, the need for support specialists will increase as businesses need to update their computer equipment and software. Median salary for computer support specialists $51,470 in 2015.

Gateway courses also help students prepare for CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Professional and CompTIA Network+ certifications. These certifications make students more marketable to employers as certification validates foundation-level knowledge and skills necessary for a career in IT support.

Certificates offer students the opportunity to specialize and focus on key classes that can help them advance their careers. These certificate opportunities include:

Career Pathway

Featured Faculty

“I have personally experienced the benefit of a Gateway degree and witnessed countless others that have reaped the same benefits. Our faculty has a vested interest in student success. They do everything in their power to make sure the students are ready to enter the workforce and become productive members of society. Our students get the benefit of hands on experience with state of the art technology to better prepare them for success in their chosen field.”

“I have personally experienced the benefit of a Gateway degree and witnessed countless others that have reaped the same benefits. Our faculty has a vested interest in student success. They do everything in their power to make sure the students are ready to enter the workforce and become productive members of society. Our students get the benefit of hands on experience with state of the art technology to better prepare them for success in their chosen field.”

Network Support Specialist
Project Administrator/Network Administrator for a local construction company, responsible for creating a web presence as well as installing a client/server network
Help Desk Analyst, Time Warner Cable
Supervisor, Help Desk and Computer Operations, Time Warner Cable.
VP of Finance in the Help Desk Institute local chapter (Brewcity HDI)
Faculty advisor, Gateway chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals
(AITP).

Success Stories

“They were real projects in a real environment – not fake problems and fake issues..."